Why Should I Move to Lake Havasu City, AZ?
The popularity and allure of Lake Havasu City, AZ is perpetuated for many deserving reasons. Known for its serene lake, this Colorado River reservoir draws the border between California and Arizona. The community of just over 50,000 residents started as a camp for Army Air Corps during World War II. The peninsula, since transformed into an island, was developed by American entrepreneur Robert McCulloch, chairman of McCulloch Oil Corporation. He made a deal with the state of Arizona, who acquired the abandoned military property along with an additional 13,000 acres of surrounding federal land, to give him the property for free in exchange for his promise to develop the land. His plan was to build a spectacular retirement community on the site of his relatively isolated real estate acquisition. Lake Havasu City was established in 1963, and incorporated in 1978.
The crown jewel of Lake Havasu City is the famous London Bridge, which spans the aquatic channel between mainland Lake Havasu City and its island. Originally built in London, England in 1831, the London Bridge was constructed as a replacement for the doomed 600-year-old bridge from the popular nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down”. The newer bridge, erected of solid granite corbels with five elegant stone arches, quickly became the most congested part of London. Discovered to be sinking at the rate of one inch every eight years, it was determined the bridge could not support the increasing load of modern traffic and would have to be dismantled and replaced by a structure capable of handling the demands of England’s largest metropolis.
In 1968, Robert McCulloch, purchased the bridge for just under $2.5 million dollars from the Common Council of London. As the bridge was dismantled in London, each stone block was meticulously numbered to aid in a historically accurate reconstruction. The newly re-built bridge is clad in the original granite corbels, with a reinforced concrete foundation, and opened in 1971. The former peninsula was dredged upon completion of the bridge and flooded. The resulting canal, Bridgewater Channel, separated the newly created island from the mainland portion of Lake Havasu City.
Robert McCulloch’s bridge created a tourist attraction for Lake Havasu and his vision became a huge success, bringing tourists and retirement home buyers to his budding community. Currently a small city of just over 50,000 residents, Lake Havasu has indeed become a welcoming retirement oasis that attracts retirees seeking refuge from the harsh winters of the northern states and Canada. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, it is so much more.
In spring, its sparkling water becomes a playground for young Spring Breakers. March to September are the prime months for boaters and people enjoying water-related activities and sports. The city hosts a variety of boat regattas and racing events, as well as various food and drink festivals, motorcycle and car shows, carnivals, marathons and fishing tournaments. Perhaps one of the most eagerly anticipated events is the annual Havasu Island Hot Air Balloon Fest & Fair in January, where dozens of hot air balloons grace the skies over London Bridge and the surrounding lake area in a dazzling display of majestic beauty.
Despite its growing population, Lake Havasu City has retained its small-town feel and sense of community, making it an attractive home for people of all ages. In addition to the popular events that draw tourists from all over the United States and beyond, Lake Havasu is the perfect home for raising a family while enjoying all of the perks of being surrounded by a fabulous vacation destination. With a lower than average cost of living and affordable home prices, now is the perfect time to consider moving to Lake Havasu City, AZ.